Rising from the north of the city, the Coventry Building Society Arena is a Midlands powerhouse—part stadium, part entertainment hub, and all heart.
It’s the proud home of Coventry City FC, a team with Premier League memories and Championship ambition, and it has also hosted rugby, gigs, Olympic events, and more.
Opened in 2005 as the Ricoh Arena, the CBS Arena stands today as a multi-purpose venue that blends football culture with conference chic. Whether you’re here for a Sky Blues match, a massive concert, or to sample craft beer at Dhillon’s Brewery, this is your essential guide.
📍 Location: Judds Lane, Coventry, CV6 6AQ, UK
⚽ Home Team: Coventry City FC
🎟️ Capacity: 32,609
🏗️ Opened: 2005
unique features & quirks
🏙️ Built on History – Located on the old Foleshill gasworks site, part of Coventry’s industrial story.
🏉 Multi-Use DNA – From Wasps RFC to Olympic football in 2012, it’s seen it all.
🍺 Brewery on Site – Dhillon’s Brewery Taproom is located just next to the stadium.
👨👩👧👦 Family Zone – Dedicated sections for younger fans and families.
♿ Accessibility – Excellent wheelchair and limited mobility access, plus sensory spaces for neurodiverse fans.
first impressions: the matchday experience
🔥 Atmosphere: The Sky Blue Army bring relentless support, especially in the North Stand, where the chants echo and the passion never dips.
🎭 Iconic Traditions:
Statue of Jimmy Hill – The club legend welcomes fans outside the main entrance. “Play Up Sky Blues” – The anthem that rings loud before kick-off. Pre-match beers – Head to The Anecdote or Dhillon’s Brewery for good drinks and big chat.
how to get to the coventry building society arena
🚶 Walking: Around 45–50 minutes from Coventry city centre—not ideal, but doable.
🚆 Train: Coventry Arena Station is right next to the ground, with links to Coventry and Nuneaton.
🚌 Bus: Bus 5, 7 or 20 from city centre gets you close.
🚗 Parking: On-site parking available only with advance booking on matchdays.
🚖 Taxi/Drop-off: Best location is Arena Shopping Park.
📍 Address: Judds Lane, Coventry, CV6 6AQ, UK
tickets: how to get in to Coventry City
🎟️ Coventry City Matches:
Official club site On-site ticket office (West Stand) Matchday sales (subject to availability)
💰 Prices:
Adults: £25–£35 Concessions: £18 Under-16s: £10 Family bundles and season ticket options available
best seats in the house
🏆 West Stand – Premium central views, perfect for newcomers or neutrals
🎤 North Stand (Thompson’s Lane End) – Heart of the Sky Blue Army
🌍 East Stand – More relaxed atmosphere with strong sightlines
🎫 Away End (South Stand) – Designated section with decent acoustics
where to eat before the game
🍔 The Anecdote – Stylish pub right on-site
🌮 Street Kitchen Brothers – Usually parked outside on matchdays
🥧 Greggs (Arena Park) – Because it wouldn’t be the Midlands without one
🍟 Nando’s – Also in Arena Park next door
best pubs for pre-match drinks
🍻 Dhillon’s Brewery – Local craft beer, great atmosphere, right near the turnstiles
🍺 The Phoenix – Student-heavy but football-friendly, in the city centre
🍹 The Longford Engine – Cozy and traditional, 15-minute walk away
coventry city: what’s the vibe?
📊 Current Form: Finished 5th in the League last season – which got them in the playoffs.
⚡ Style: Fluid midfield play, energetic wingbacks, and homegrown grit
🌟 Player to Watch: Jack Rudoni was named the Coventry City player of the 2024/25 season!
🧠 Manager: Frank Lampard, entered under unusual circumstances but the Chelsea FC legend has resonated with the Sky Blues.
⚽ England’s Lionesses Shine in Coventry (October 2024)
In October 2024, the Coventry Building Society Arena hosted a key international friendly as England edged past South Africa 2–1. Leah Williamson celebrated her 50th cap in style, opening the scoring after 12 minutes, before Grace Clinton doubled the lead with a well-timed header from Maya Le Tissier’s cross. South Africa responded early in the second half through Thembi Kgatlana, who proved a persistent threat throughout. Despite late pressure and a disallowed goal for the visitors, England — featuring eight changes from their previous 4–3 loss to Germany — controlled much of the match with 70% possession and numerous chances from Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone. The win offered a vital boost for Sarina Wiegman’s side in front of a spirited Coventry crowd.
🎤 Stadium of Sound: Music & Events at the CBS Arena
Beyond football, the Coventry Building Society Arena has become a magnet for major music and cultural events. From Oasis drawing almost 40,000 in 2009 to Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto Tour in 2012 and Bruce Springsteen’s legendary sell-outs in 2013 and 2016, the venue has hosted icons across genres. The Spice Girls returned in 2019 for two spectacular nights, while Rihanna, Rammstein, Arctic Monkeys, and Harry Styles have also lit up the arena. MTV Crashes, Insomnia Festival, and acts like Scouting for Girls and Catfish and the Bottlemen have added to the venue’s diverse appeal. Whether enjoying craft beer at Dhillon’s Brewery or relaxing in the Bryan Adams Bar, the CBS Arena offers far more than just football — it’s a full-on cultural stage in the heart of the Midlands
beyond football: things to do in coventry
🏛️ Coventry Cathedral – Mix of haunting ruins and bold modern design
🚘 Coventry Transport Museum – Incredible collection of cars, motorbikes, and innovation
🎭 Belgrade Theatre – Great regional programming
🛍️ Fargo Village – Indie shops, vegan eats, and community art in a repurposed industrial estate
final verdict
The CBS Arena is an underappreciated gem—big enough to feel electric, local enough to feel authentic. With football heritage stitched into its stands and a real community vibe, it’s one of the best football experiences in the Championship.
📌 Pro Tip: Train or taxi it if you’re coming from the city—matchday traffic is no joke.
⚽ Ready for kick-off? See you in the Sky Blue City! 🎉
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